Gray Hawk, KY -- The 20th Annual Stringbean Memorial Bluegrass Festival will be held this Thursday-Saturday, June 16-18, at Stringbean Memorial Park in Gray Hawk, KY. Celebrating its 20th year, the festival honors Jackson County native and beloved Grand Ole Opry star David ‘Stringbean’ Akemon. His unique stage attire, traditional claw hammer banjo style, and entertaining stage banter endeared him to fans around the world. ’The Kentucky Wonder’ was best known for his musical comedic performances on the hallowed stage of the Grand Ole Opry beginning in the 1940’s and on the television series “Hee Haw” until his tragic death in 1973.

Bristol, TN/VA -- Christmas came a little early for music lovers this year as fans of Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion eagerly counted down to the holiday with a daily sneak peek of the annual music festival's artist lineup. Over the last two weeks Bristol Rhythm organizers announced 12 different festival artists during the "big reveal," lighting up Facebook and Twitter with enthusiasm for the September event.

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has announced that Bill Keith and Larry Sparks will be newest members to be inducted into the association's Hall of Fame. The induction will take place during the IBMA's annual Awards Show in Raleigh, North Carolina on October 1st, 2015. Both Keith and Sparks have left a permanent impression in the music we call Bluegrass. Both are also still active in the music and bring a long tradition of their respective styles as they helped shape the sound of today. While each are significantly different in their contributions, there is no denying that without them much of what we listen today would have been shaped differently.

Nashville, TN -- "Reno's Old Time Music" keeps things hopping in April with another great lineup! The month begins with family and the legacy of today's Reno & Harrell. Then, Larry Sparks celebrates 50 years in the business with performances of new material and few of his signature songs. And you don't want to miss masterful tenor and award-winning songwriter Steve Gulley & Friends. Finally, climb aboard as Ronnie hits the road and travels to one of his favorite traditional music hotspots, Renfro Valley Entertainment Center!

Charlottesville, VA -- Rebel Records is excited to announce today's release of "Bitterweeds," the new single from Larry Sparks' anticipated 50-year celebration recording, Lonesome and Then Some: A Classic 50th Celebration (REB-1846). The single is available for purchase as a special pre-album promotion via iTunes, Amazon, and other online retailers. The physical and online versions of the full album will be released Tuesday, August 5th.

Great Mills, MD -- Jay Armsworthy, promoter and creater for Bluegrass for Hospice writes about the big success for this year's event. "On Saturday October 26, 2013 was the 5th year for the Bluegrass for Hospice. It’s a one day Bluegrass music event where all proceeds went toward the Hospice House. The event took in $29,181.68 this year. In 5 years, Bluegrass for Hospice has raised $97,315.00 for the Hospice House. This finally makes this event one of the biggest fundraisers for the Hospice of St. Mary’s."

The legendary Larry Sparks & his Lonesome Ramblers will perform at the Cameo Theatre in Bristol, Virginia on Friday, October 25th at 7:30 pm. Sparks is celebrating his 50th year in bluegrass music and this concert will be part of his 50th Anniversary Tour.

Great Mills, MD -- Bluegrass for Hospice-2013 will be held on Saturday October 26. Not only is the event celebrating its 5th year, but headliner, Larry Sparks is celebrating his 50th year in Bluegrass music. Bluegrass for Hospice-2013 will be held at the Flat Iron Farm in Great Mills, Maryland. It is located on Flat Iron Road just 1.5 miles from MD Route 5. The event begins at Noon with gates opening at 11:00 am. All proceeds for the day go to support the Hospice House of St. Mary’s County.

Great Mills, MD -- Bluegrass for Hospice-2013 will be held on Saturday October 26. Not only is the event celebrating its 5th year, but headliner, Larry Sparks is celebrating his 50th year in Bluegrass music. Bluegrass for Hospice-2013 will be held at the Flat Iron Farm in Great Mills, Maryland. It is located on Flat Iron Road just 1.5 miles from MD Route 5. The event begins at Noon with gates opening at 11:00 am. All proceeds for the day go to support the Hospice House of St. Mary’s County.

Headlining this year's Bluegrass for Hospice will be Larry Sparks, celebrating 50 years in Bluegrass entertainment, along with Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, a Rebel recording artist. The event will be held on Saturday October 26, 2013 at the Flat Iron Farm in Great Mills, Maryland. Bluegrass for Hospice is a one day music festival and a family oriented event that is a fundraiser for our local Hospice House of St. Mary’s County.

Nashville, TN -- /Opry.com/ The Grand Ole Opry® presented by Humana® honored Alison Krauss on her 20th anniversary as an Opry member July 3rd at the Wednesday Night Opry with performances by Alison Krauss and Union Station, bluegrass great Larry Sparks, multi-award-winner Jamey Johnson, and more. Krauss was inducted as an Opry member on July 3, 1993. When Krauss joined the Opry at 21, she brought with her the hot pickers of Union Station. Krauss became the first bluegrass artist in 29 years to be inducted and the youngest cast member at the time.

Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers are scheduled to headline the 4th Annual Salt Lick Bluegrass Festival. This annual Kentucky favorite will also feature legendary bluegrass pioneer Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain. The two day event will take place in Shepherdsville, Kentucky February 15-16, 2013 at the Paroquet Springs Conference Center.

The legendary Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers will appear on the Appalachian Cultural Music Alliance’s Pickin’ Porch on Saturday, November 17th at 7:00 pm in Bristol, VA. Bluegrass music artist Larry Sparks is featured as the cover story this month in Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine with an article written by Bristol’s Tom Netherland. “The article boasts on Larry Sparks’ 50th anniversary coming up in 2013 and we are so proud to have this renowned bluegrass legend coming to appear on our Pickin’ Porch stage,” says ACMA president John Necessary.

Louisville, KY -- Spring is in full swing at the Jefferson Memorial Forest and on one special day every year Bluegrass music can be heard in the air as you walk the trails and enjoy the scenery. "The Forest Fest '12 is a great way to showcase the beauty and fun of the Jefferson Memorial Forest," says Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13). "It is a great collection of local and regional bluegrass musicians who love to play for people who love to listen to a unique blend of American music."